Little Rock, Arkansas – A Fordyce man with a long criminal history tied to narcotics will spend the next decade behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs. Federal prosecutors said the case reflects months of coordinated investigation and a continued push to disrupt drug activity in South Arkansas communities.
Eric Matlock, 42, of Fordyce, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and was handed down by James M. Moody Jr..
Matlock was also sentenced to five years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal officials emphasized that there is no parole in the federal system, meaning Matlock will be required to serve the full sentence imposed by the court.
Investigation uncovered buried drugs and cash
Matlock was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 9, 2024, on two counts tied to drug trafficking. He later pleaded guilty to both charges on August 8, 2025, bringing the case to its conclusion at sentencing.
The investigation began months earlier, in February 2024, when the Criminal Investigation Division of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office opened an inquiry after a noticeable rise in narcotics activity in Fordyce. Through the use of confidential sources, surveillance tools, and controlled drug buys, investigators identified Matlock as a potential dealer operating in the area.
During several controlled purchases, deputies closely tracked Matlock’s movements using aerial surveillance technology. Authorities said this allowed investigators to document patterns and gather evidence without alerting the suspect.
The investigation reached a critical point on June 30, 2024, when officers executed a search warrant at Matlock’s residence. During the search, deputies discovered a buried footlocker near the carport. Inside the container were multiple plastic bags filled with illegal drugs, along with $3,841 in cash and digital scales, items commonly associated with drug distribution.
Laboratory testing later confirmed the substances to be 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.2 pounds of cocaine, quantities prosecutors said pointed clearly to distribution rather than personal use.
Long criminal history factored into sentencing
Federal court records show that Matlock entered sentencing with a significant criminal background. In addition to a prior state conviction for conspiracy to deliver cocaine, his record includes two convictions for possession of crack cocaine, a conviction for possession of firearms by certain persons, and convictions tied to drug paraphernalia, manufacturing-related offenses, and maintaining a drug premises.
Prosecutors said this history played a role in the court’s decision, underscoring the ongoing risk Matlock posed to the community.
The case was prosecuted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, or HSTF, an initiative created under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The task force brings together agencies at every level to target criminal organizations, including drug trafficking networks and violent offenders.
HSTF Little Rock includes agents from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with prosecution led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster. Federal officials said the sentence reflects a continued commitment to removing high-level drug traffickers from Arkansas communities and disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics.
